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About Us < Features < Spring 2007 < Protect Wetlands and Wildlife by Purchasing a Duck Stamp
Duck Stamps are not just for hunters. Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as "Duck Stamps," have been around since 1934. They were originally created as the federal licenses required for hunting migratory waterfowl but today they serve a much larger purpose. Federal Duck Stamps are a vital tool for wetland conservation. Ninety-eight cents of every dollar from the sales of Duck Stamps goes directly to the purchase or lease of wetlands for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Since the inception of this program, more than 5.2 million acres of waterfowl habitat have been protected. Numerous birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians benefit from the sale of Duck Stamps. One-third of our Nation's endangered and threatened species find food or shelter
in wetlands.
People also benefit from the sale of Duck Stamps. Wetlands provide opportunities for hunting as well as other activities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking and bird watching. Wetlands also serve the important functions of purifying water, reducing soil erosion and sedimentation and providing spawning areas for sport and commercial fish. In addition, a current Duck Stamp serves as an entrance pass to those National Wildlife Refuges that charge admission.
Each year a national stamp design contest, sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is held to select the artistic design for the following year’s Duck Stamp. Wildlife artists consider it a great honor to be selected as the winner of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest and the stamps have become a collector’s item.
There is also a Junior Duck Stamp and a Junior Duck Stamp program. A contest is also held to select the design for the Junior Duck Stamp and is open to students in kindergarten through high school. Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps are used to educate students about the importance of waterfowl and wetlands conservation.
Invest in the future of wildlife in our country. The price of a $15 Duck Stamp can help protect wetlands for your children and grandchildren. A $5 Junior Duck Stamp can help educate school children about wetland conservation. You can buy a Duck Stamp at any sporting goods or outdoor store that sells hunting licenses. They are also available at many Post Offices. You can view the latest design and purchase a stamp online at www.duckstamp.com. Buy a Duck Stamp today and display it with pride.
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